Czech news in brief for July 18: Friday’s top headlines

Slovak PM Robert Fico said Slovakia will approve the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia on Friday after receiving energy-related guarantees from the European Commission. Fico called the EU plan to phase out Russian gas by 2028 “imbecilic” but said blocking sanctions further would harm Slovak interests. Bratislava now plans to fight the Commission’s gas proposal in a new phase of negotiations.

A new center aiding voluntary returns of Ukrainian refugees will open in Prague in early September, the Interior Ministry said. The “unity hub” will provide legal advice and information, encouraging post-war reconstruction. Operated with ICMPD, the advisory center won’t replace state services. Over 377,000 Ukrainian refugees currently hold temporary protection in Czechia, which remains in place until March 2027.

Czech goaltender Lukáš Dostál signed a five-year, $32.5 million contract with the Anaheim Ducks, making him one of the highest-paid Czech NHL players. The 25-year-old played 54 games last season and helped win 23. Originally from Brno, Dostál was drafted in 2018. Anaheim praised his rising performance, and he’s expected to appear in the Czech Olympic lineup next year.

Czechia received CZK 24 billion more from the EU in the first half of 2025 than it paid into the budget, the Finance Ministry said. Revenues came mainly from structural and agricultural funds. Contributions totaled CZK 32.9B, while receipts hit CZK 55.5B. EU recovery funding (NGEU) fell sharply year-on-year, but the country expects more by year’s end for digital and economic upgrades.

A fire broke out Thursday night at a refreshment stand at the Colours of Ostrava music festival, injuring two workers and causing CZK 100,000 in damage. No visitors were harmed. The fire was extinguished before fire crews arrived. A pressure cylinder was removed and cooled. An investigation into the cause is underway, officials said. The festival continues in Dolní Vítkovice.